Hyderabad Police Arrest 11 in Puranapool Communal Vandalism Case
Action follows temple damage and desecration of Mazar; security tightened across Old City
- 11 arrested after CCTV-based investigation
- Incident began with damage to Mysamma Temple on January 15 night
- Four policemen injured during clashes
- Flag marches and pickets deployed in sensitive areas
GG News Bureau
Hyderabad, 20th Jan: Hyderabad Police have arrested 11 people in connection with a communal disturbance that erupted in the Puranapool area of the Old City, following incidents of vandalism at a temple and a nearby Mazar (Chilla). The arrests were made on January 19 after an intensive probe using CCTV footage and technical evidence, officials said.
According to police, the chain of events began late on January 15 at around 11:30 pm when an unidentified man allegedly entered the Mysamma Temple at Puranapool Darwaza and damaged a flex banner and a small Plaster of Paris idol placed in the veranda. Police clarified that the main shrine and the principal deity were not touched. The act led to tension in the locality, with residents gathering near the temple.
Soon after, a group allegedly formed an unlawful assembly and vandalised a nearby Mazar belonging to another community. Police said provocative slogans were raised, aggravating communal tensions and disturbing public order. When police intervened to restore calm, clashes broke out, leaving four policemen injured. Additional forces were deployed to bring the situation under control.
Separate cases were registered for damage to the temple, desecration of the Mazar, and assault on police personnel. The man accused of damaging the temple was arrested within 24 hours on January 16.
Subsequently, Kamatipura Police analysed CCTV footage and other technical inputs, leading to the identification and arrest of 11 accused — including one woman — for their alleged involvement in the unlawful assembly and vandalism of the Mazar. All were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Police said efforts are underway to trace other absconding suspects.
Acting on instructions from Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, security has been stepped up across the Old City. Flag marches were conducted in sensitive pockets such as Kamatipura and Bahadurpura, and additional pickets have been deployed to prevent further disturbances.
In the aftermath of the incident, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Telangana BJP president Ramchandra Rao visited the site. The BJP accused the state government of lapses in protecting religious sites, while police appealed to all communities to maintain peace, avoid rumours, and cooperate with law enforcement.
